Tough times - but high hopes for 2011

As the year draws to a close, we ask some of the stalwarts from communities in Harrow and Brent to reflect on 2010 and speak about their hopes and aspirations for the coming year.

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My London

00:00, 29 DEC 2010
Updated17:41, 30 SEP 2013

As the year draws to a close, we ask some of the stalwarts from communities in Harrow and Brent to reflect on 2010 and speak about their hopes and aspirations for the coming year

HARROW'S BOROUGH COMMANDER, CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT DAL BABU

AS I look back at 2010, I continue to be impressed with what a great place Harrow is and how fortunate the residents are to have such a high level of commitment from our many sections of the public sector, but particularly (and you would expect me to say this) the local police.

We end 2010 very much as it started, with adverse weather conditions, but police officers and staff showed their commitment by travelling to work and ensuring they did not let down their colleagues or the people of Harrow.

I have committed to maintaining front-line police services and ensuring we build on the excellent work of Safer Neighbourhoods Teams.

I want to reassure Harrow residents that although we have some challenges in the public sector I, along with the chief executives in Harrow, am committing to delivering a first-class service.

Last year saw significant reductions in crime and I want to build on that reduction and believe that with the Neighbourhood Champions, we can continue to make Harrow one of the safest boroughs in London.

Finally, from all of us at Harrow Police, we wish all Harrow Observer readers a happy and content new year for 2011.

WEALDSTONE FC MANAGER, GORDON BARTLETT

WE ENTERED 2010 in good shape and with games in hand, but the bad weather played havoc and our play-off hopes faded.

We remained upbeat, even after losing Marvin McCoy to Wycombe, yet another youngster to go into the full-time ranks of professional football, and I believe more will follow.

At the start of this campaign, I opened my big mouth by predicting another year of progressing and a top five finish. Wrong! We had a dreadful start! I had only succeeded in adding extra pressure and building up the expectations of the fans.

Gradually, the youngsters have grown in confidence and I have been proud of our recent displays, which hopefully will stand them in good stead as we enter 2011.

It is certainly a stronger league this year and the new year will be challenging, but I am confident these lads will continue to play the entertaining brand of football that will encourage more people to visit us at the St George's Stadium.

I would just like to thank our fans for their support over the last 12 months and to wish everyone a happy festive season and a successful sporting 2011.

CHAIRWOMAN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NORTHWICK PARK, JOSEPHINE MEDIRATTA

THE Rotary Club of Northwick Park would like to thank everyone for their generous support through 2010 and give everyone good wishes for Christmas and the new year.

Their generosity will help the Rotary Club in all the various ways the charity carries out its work.

BISHOP OF WILLESDEN, PETE BROADBENT

THE new year brings huge opportunity and promise, but also great uncertainty in the current social and economic climate.

We look for the good of our families, our communities and our friendships; we fear for our jobs, our health, and our future.

In the midst of this, we need signs of hope. God is the great hope-bringer.

In 2011, we celebrate the centenary of the establishment of the Bishops of Willesden - set up to look after the Church of England in this area as London expanded.

A hundred years later, we are still here, with a message of faith, hope and service.

As we celebrate our own centenary, on behalf of the Church of England in

Brent and Harrow let me wish you a very happy new year, with all the good you wish for yourselves, your friends and neighbours.